Cooperative Education

College of Science and Engineering
Dean: Sheldon Axler

Cooperative Education Program
SCI 248
415-338-1050
Director: Joseph Schuman

Program

Certificate in Cooperative Education

The Cooperative Education Program enables students of all majors within the university to integrate academe with real world problems through alternating academically relevant work experiences with class studies. Cooperative positions are arranged with the help of the program director and supervised by both the immediate work supervisor and a faculty coordinator from the students, area of academic interest. Participation in the Cooperative Education Program expands and enhances career opportunities through experience gained with employers and often helps focus academic objectives. Students receive competitive wages and earn academic credit while involved in their field assignments. Employment periods may be either full- or part-time. Participants begin the program by completing the preparatory Cooperative Education Colloquium course, AU 293. Additional information may be obtained from the Cooperative Education Office.

Program Scope

This supplemental 25-unit certificate program is designed to give students the opportunity to develop educational objectives and career opportunities. Enrollment in the cooperative education colloquium course is a requirement for all students and is used as the basis for evaluation of student potential and interest. The certificate indicates to the employer that the university validates the student's work experience in cooperative education and substantiates the experience as professional development and job training. Students receive academic credit and salaried compensation.

All placements are academically relevant. Since the certificate program is tailored to the student's needs and specific major, information about various degrees and programs offered may be found under the appropriate department or center.

Career Outlook

Students who complete the certificate program typically have greater employment options and benefits. Additional benefits include better starting salaries and greater responsibilities for starting level positions. Cooperative education placements usually lead to permanent job placements with private and public sector employers.

CERTIFICATE IN COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program students must comply with all criteria as set forth under the description of certificate programs of this university Bulletin. Additionally, students must:

• Be a resident student within the university
• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in all course work within the student's major course of study.
• Complete the prerequisite course, Cooperative Education Colloquium (AU 293).
• Be of upper division standing (completed 56 semester units of undergraduate work)

Course credits are to be assigned through AU 693. Accumulated units do not count toward general education or major curricular requirements. Full-time summer placements are available and may earn six units of credit. Two major academic year placement options exist and are illustrated below.